The Best Golf Courses Near Chelmsford

Golf Around Chelmsford

Chelmsford sits right in the middle of Essex, which makes it a brilliant base for golf. You've got everything from championship-quality members' clubs to affordable pay and play courses, all within a 20 to 30 minute drive.

Here's our pick of the best courses in the area, with a mix of options for different budgets and ability levels.

The Top Courses

Channels Golf Club

Right on Chelmsford's doorstep, Channels is a solid pay and play option that feels like a proper golf course rather than a municipal afterthought. The 18-hole Belstead layout has some really good holes, particularly on the back nine where the terrain gets more interesting. Green fees are fair and the twilight rates are worth looking into during summer.

Distance from Chelmsford: About 5 minutes

Best for: Pay and play visitors, after-work rounds

Chelmsford Golf Club

One of the older clubs in the area with a traditional parkland layout. It's a members' club but they do welcome visitors on certain days. The course is well established with mature trees lining the fairways and some properly tricky greens. If you can get a game here, it's a treat.

Distance from Chelmsford: About 10 minutes

Best for: A classic members' club experience

Regiment Way Golf Centre

A relatively newer addition to the Chelmsford golf scene. The course has been designed with modern thinking and it drains better than most courses in the area, which is saying something for Essex clay. Green fees are competitive and they're actively trying to attract new players. The facilities are good and improving all the time.

Distance from Chelmsford: About 10 minutes

Best for: Value for money, beginners welcome

Benton Hall, Witham

Just up the A12, Benton Hall gives you two courses for the price of joining. The Championship course is a proper test, particularly the par 3s which are some of the best in Essex. The shorter par 3 course is ideal for a quick session or for players who are newer to the game. The clubhouse has been done up nicely too.

Distance from Chelmsford: About 15 minutes

Best for: Variety (two courses), par 3 course for beginners

Crondon Park, Stock

South of Chelmsford, Crondon Park is a well-designed course with some cracking holes. The routing makes good use of the landscape and there are a few holes where you need to think rather than just hit it hard. It's popular with societies, which is always a sign that the value-for-money equation works.

Distance from Chelmsford: About 15 minutes

Best for: Society days, interesting course design

Three Rivers Golf & Country Club, Purleigh

A bit further out but worth the drive. Three Rivers has 27 holes split into three nines, so you can play different combinations. The Kings course is the pick of the three. The setting is lovely with views across the Essex countryside. They do good society packages and the food in the clubhouse is above average.

Distance from Chelmsford: About 20 minutes

Best for: Day out, societies, 27 holes of variety

Stock Brook Golf & Country Club

At the premium end of the Chelmsford golf scene. Two 18-hole courses, good practice facilities, and a clubhouse that's set up for the full day experience. It's not the cheapest option but the quality is there. The Manor course is the standout.

Distance from Chelmsford: About 15 minutes

Best for: Premium experience, two full courses

Hylands Golf Complex

A pay and play option that's been improving steadily. Not the most scenic course in the area but it's affordable, easy to get to, and you can usually get a tee time without booking weeks in advance. Good for a no-fuss midweek round.

Distance from Chelmsford: About 10 minutes

Best for: Budget-friendly, walk-on availability

Quick Comparison

Here's a rough guide to help you choose:

• Best value: Regiment Way, Top Meadow
• Best for beginners: Benton Hall (par 3 course), Regiment Way
• Best traditional course: Chelmsford Golf Club
• Best for societies: Crondon Park, Three Rivers
• Best for variety: Benton Hall (two courses), Three Rivers (27 holes)
• Best premium option: Stock Brook

Tips for Playing Around Chelmsford

• The A12 is your friend. Most of these courses are within 10 minutes of a junction. Plan your route to avoid Chelmsford town centre, especially at rush hour.
• Book ahead at weekends. The popular courses fill up fast on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Midweek is much easier.
• Try somewhere new. It's easy to get into a routine of playing the same course. Mix it up. The variety around Chelmsford is one of the best things about golfing here.

Find All of These on Golf Match UK

Every course mentioned here is listed on Golf Match UK. You can check green fees, see ratings from other golfers, and find out what events are coming up. If you're looking for a playing partner in the Chelmsford area, post an open game and see who's around.